For some of us, especially freshman like myself, the number of summer days is now just in the single digits. And, even if it’s not that way for you, it is inevitable that in no more than just a few weeks, you will be surrounded by the scuffling of shoes, the slamming of lockers, and the zipping of backpacks. The gift known as summer is quickly coming to an end, and so now is the time to be soaking in those last sun rays and taking those final late night road trips. Ya know, the montage moments in movies. In my last few days before heading off to college (aka the best place in the world) I am challenging myself, and you, to make as many movie moments as you can. And no montage would be complete without the perfect songs, so here’s 10 songs to help you and your friends have the perfect montage day.
1. “Best Day of My Life” – American Authors
To start off this montage, blast this super upbeat, joyous song, because, in fact, this will be the best day of your life. Let the song set the tone for the day, because, after all, this is the last time you will see your friends for a while. But don’t focus on that yet. For now, just focus on the journey ahead of you.
2. “Karaoke” – Smallpools
The first step in your montage is to take a nice scenic drive. As I am from Raleigh, my friends and I would often make the drive from there to Wilmington, and every trip was two hours of bliss as we rolled down the windows, let the wind through our hair, and sang at the tops of our lungs. These are some of my favorite moments from high school. So, let loose, scream this song as loud as you can, and make fun of each other’s horrendous singing voices.
3. “Back To You” –Twin Forks
Your first stop might be your favorite coffee shop or breakfast place, and this folky number is exactly the type of song that might be playing there. This Twin Forks song is going to remind you and your friends that you will always be there for each other and, no matter what happens, or what life brings, you will always find your way back to each other. Grab an iced coffee, or, if you are like me, your favorite mint tea, and head to your next spot.
4. “Life in Color” – OneRepublic
On the way to your next destination, stick your head out the window and just bask in the beauty of life. The vibrancy of the trees you pass by, the blue in your best friend’s eyes, the warmth of the sun on your skin. Truly look at the life you are living, be in the moment, maybe get a little emotional. This is your day, so take in the colors life has to offer.
5. “High” – Young Rising Sons
Play this song as you finally reach your destination. Let’s say the destination is the beach, because who doesn’t love the beach. And even more so, who doesn’t love montages that take place there. Run onto the beach and let the sand sink in between your toes and the sea breeze ruin your hair. The purpose of this trip is to “let it go, enjoy the ride,” so do just that.
6. “Geronimo” – Sheppard
Link arms with your besties and run into the ocean, no toes first or testing the water. Just sprint. Feel the wind rush past you and embrace the shock of the cold waves on your body. This is life. This is your montage. So make it count. Take chances in life, and do things just for the experience. Push aside all the worry and just live. Unless it’s like drugs or murder. Don’t just do those for the experience.
7. “Million Bucks” – Smallpools
This is just a feel good one, so the activity is up to you. I would recommend an action packed game of touch football, a heated game of Kan-Jam, or an intense round of corn hole (can you tell I’m competitive). This is the time to just focus on the great people you have spent the past four years or so building strong bonds with. Hear their laughter, notice their mannerisms, and absolutely crush them in whatever game you decide to play. Also, when you do win, make sure to add a sweet victory dance and some serious smack talk.
8. “Home” – Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros
As the sun sets, hand the aux to someone who will put this folky number on. The whistling tune and singers’ thick southern drawls will perfectly accompany a bright purple and pink sunset. Take in the view surrounded only by nature and the people you love. And added bonus: you can even sing along with your own southern accents, which is always amusing.
9. “Midnight City” – M83
This is the montage song, so it 100% must be included. This is perfect for driving with the windows down again, but this time look up at the stars. This is the time to just think of the day you have just had, swiftly ending, but nevertheless a memory which you will fondly think. Memories of the way your friend tripped over the corn hole stand, or completely missed the Kan-Jam stand “because of the wind” will serve as excellent cures to home-sickness in your first few weeks.
10. “Oblivion” – Bastille
Finally, this is the time to get a little emotional. Look at the people you spent all of high school turning to for everything. Every ache of the heart, every text from that boy you liked, every pimple you thought was ginormous but she said was not even noticeable, every text that said “I miss you,” even though you saw them at school that day. Although this is not truly a goodbye, it is a see you later, which, in best friend terms, can feel like years. So, as you ponder life and the universe (because Bastille will most certainly have you in your feels), hug those people who have been such a pivotal part of who you are.
Well, your montage day is over, and your summer is coming to a close, but it will be memories of these last few years that really make the difference. When you think you have failed a test and the world is ending, you will think of the time your friend from home got a “C” on that physics test even though she’s a genius. When you air ball a shot in intramural basketball and are embarrassed, you will remember when your friend attempted to kick a soccer ball and missed, only to face plant shortly after. And when you hear someone quote “Spongebob,” you will think of the countless times you all said “set it to W, for Wumbo,” or “bring it around town,” while turning your hips in circles (That last one might be just me, but c’mon, “Spongebob” is the best).
This montage was just one day out of many, well spent with the people you love more than anyone in this world (mom and dad excluded of course). So, next year when you are hundreds of miles apart, Facetime them, send them good morning texts every once in a while, send them stupid Instagram posts that remind you of them. And, most importantly, constantly remind them of that time you whooped them in corn hole, with love of course.
